Schools to watch the solar eclipse

Three teachers, (from left) Shalandria Shaw, Dawn Lovelace and Grace Fergie, shared their responsibilities as Teacher Leaders in the schools. They are “supporting each other,” sharing ideas so they can learn and grow.

Superintendent Joey Hassell announced at the August board meeting that he is making sure that all school students, administrators, faculty, staff and other employees are watching history in the making. The school system has purchased the required glasses so that everyone can watch the solar eclipse phenomenon as it is happening on Monday, August 21.

In other business, school board members approved on second reading 14 policy changes recommended by the Tennessee School Boards Association that were reviewed during the July meeting.

During the Celebration of Schools, three Teacher Leaders, Grace Fergie, Dawn Lovelace and Shalandria Shaw, shared with the board and guests their duties as leaders in their respective schools. They said they serve as mentors, and join the other teachers in sharing ideas that has helped them all observe and grow in their teaching. They support each other, sharing learning opportunities and find themselves eager for other teachers to learn. Teachers are also having linear discussions among subject areas, and share together in a book study.

Superintendent Hassell announced the Haywood High School Homecoming schedule. Homecoming is September 29 when the Tomcats will play Ripley. Students will be dismissed at 11:30. From 11:30 to 1:30 there will be tailgating at football stadium parking lot. The parade begins at 1:30 and the game kickoff is at 7 p.m. At halftime, there will be the presentation of the Homecoming representatives and court.

Chief Financial Officer Larry Livingston reported that the balance of the Catherine Truss Colhoun Scholarship Fund is $210,099.01. Board members also approved a number of budget amendments.

Art Garrett, Associate Superintendent, Department of Students and Family Services; Toni Eubanks, Associate Superintendent, Department of Human Resources; Yvette Blue, Department of Curriculum and Accountability; and Chris Davis, Associate Superintendent, Department of Special Services, each gave a report of activities in their departments.

Board members announced they will be attending the TSBA Fall District meeting at McNairy Central High School on September 7, and the TSBA Leadership Conference and Annual Convention in Nashville on November 2-5.

The next regular board meeting will be held on September 14 at 6 p.m.